Brentford captain Harlee Dean believes the Bees have a side capable of pushing for promotion next season, but they must keep hold of their best players.

The west Londoners have won their last three home games, playing some scintillating football along the way as Bristol City, Leeds United an Derby County failed to live with Brentford's attacking talent.

Confidence is high in TW8 and many Bees fans see the nucleus of a side that is capable of making a tilt at promotion to the Premier League next season.

Dean agrees, but knows it is what happens in the summer that will define whether Brentford will face a similar year to this one or a campaign that has them pushing for promotion.

He said: “I think there's a side here capable of pushing for promotion. As you know, it's about keeping people. That will be the biggest test again.”

Harlee Dean gets forward (Image: Paul Burgman/Press-Photos.com)

Fans have been looking forward to the west London derby against QPR on Saturday and, for Dean the game is a chance to continue their excellent home form.

He explained: “I don't think you need (a game like this) to keep this team going. Everyone wants to play football. Everyone is enjoying it. I don't want the season to finish personally.”

Brentford had a productive Easter weekend, picking up four points after beating Derby 4-0 at Griffin Park on Good Friday before a 1-1 draw at Barnsley on Easter Monday.

The draw at Oakwell came at a cost with Lasse Vibe forced off injured with a gashed ankle and Alan McCormack suffering a groin injury.